Armed home intrusions have been very quiet for a couple of months but lately there has been a sudden upsurge.
“These criminals are inconspicuous, use familiar vehicles and do not look out of place in the suburbs. They are opportunistic, driving around the suburbs looking for opportunities, when they do pounce, they are fast and professional,” said Dave Casey MD of Beagle Watch
“Unfortunately, in many instances, the lack of proper police investigations allows these criminals to operate with impunity.”
Modus operandi used by these criminals:
The modus operandi used by these criminals is to gain access to properties which includes them using the following:
• Tools such as crowbars, picks and other heavy duty tools are being used to lift gates off the rails, force locks off swing gates or break rails off gates entirely. Gates and motors can be alarmed to prevent this and it is advisable to get it done, linking them to your existing alarm.
• Domestic workers are being fooled into permitting access. In one incident, criminals accessed mail from the mail box and then using the owners name gleaned from the mail, conned the domestic into letting them in to collect the computer which was faulty.
• Criminals establish whether people are at home by pressing the intercom and pretending to be looking for someone.
• Climbing over walls and gates which are not protected by electrified fencing is a favourite day and night
Attacks have also taken place during the following opportunities:
• When deliveries are taking place
• When gardeners are working on the pavement
• When putting the wheelie bin out for collection.
• Capitalising on open gates when people are entering or leaving
• When domestic workers are hanging out the washing
Time of attacks:
From 6am to 10pm – It would appear that the attackers favour times when your alarm system is disarmed; being at home or away makes no difference to criminals.
Goods being targeted:
Robbers favour high value items such as flat screen TV’s, laptops, cellular telephones, Hi-Fi equipment, jewellery, cash and firearms. The volume of goods is limited only by their getaway means. Clothing and bulky items are last on their list.
Making their getaway:
In the majority of cases, the robbers have their own getaway vehicle. In some cases, the robbers have enquired about tracking devices in their victims’ cars.
Demands made on victims:
• Victims report being forced to lie on the ground and not look at the attackers.
• Threats of violence are used in order to get victims to comply with their demands for information. These threats are carried out when victims fail to adhere promptly to their demands.
• Information is sought from victims regarding the whereabouts of cash, valuables and keys for the safe. If you have a safe, please make sure that all at home have access to the safe failing which the attackers may see this as noncompliance.
Do’s and don’ts when faced by intruders:
Listed hereunder are the most important do’s and don’ts to remember if you do fall victim to a house robbery:
• Offer no resistance to the attackers unless you have a real chance of repelling the attackers. Remember there are always more than you know about – they often have unseen accomplices outside who are armed and will not hesitate to use violence should the need arise.
• Do not make any sudden movements – keep still and move only when instructed to do so.
• Try and remain calm and comply with the attackers instructions immediately – household goods are replaceable. The longer attackers remain in your home the greater the risk of other crimes being committed.
• Keep quiet – robbers will use any means possible to ensure that they are undetected. Those who make a noise risk being dealt with severely.
• Do not look at the attackers in the face – look away from them and when lying down, close your eyes.
• Answer their questions honestly – if they find that you have lied, they might assume you have lied about other issues too. This can cause retaliatory attacks.
• Teach children to lie down, keep quiet and still under all circumstances. If possible, teach them to hide under their beds and keep quiet.
There are many homes which are criminal friendly which increases the risk of being targeted by house robbers. Detailed hereunder are some important tips to making your home less criminal friendly.
The entrance:
• The entrance should be clear of any foliage that would make it possible for criminals to hide.
• The entrance should be well illuminated.
• Your gate design should not allow for the gear rail to be accessed from outside the property.
• Anti-lift brackets are required to prevent the gate from being lifted off the rail, alarm your gates and gate motor.
• Ensure that your alarm system is armed at night.
• Install perimeter detection (outside beams) to warn you of an attempted attack.
• Install an electrified fence to keep people out of your property.
• Install CCTV cameras to make it possible to see your entire gate area. These should be linked to a monitor in the garage to view before leaving your premises. In addition, link the cameras to your TV network for viewing purposes. This will assist in being able to ensure “the coast is clear” before leaving your home.
• Conduct a police clearance on all staff employed on your property. In addition, ensure that you have a copy of all staff’s identity documents and a recent photo. These should be stored off site.
What should you watch out for?
• Be aware of being followed home – if in doubt, drive past your home and double back. If you are being followed this will be evident if the vehicle mimics your actions.
• Anyone hanging around your gate should be treated as suspicious – call the control room to investigate.
• Trust your gut instinct – if you are suspicious about anything, call our control room and have the reaction officer investigate.
• Be alert at all times.
“We have years of experience and expertise in this business and if home owners follow the above they will be safer going home and in their homes. It will also allow us to put many of these criminals behind bars,” said Dave Casey.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
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